FinTech on the Seas 2025 brought together more than 150 global leaders in fintech, digital assets and financial services from 25 to 27 June. The event took place across Necker Island and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and included founders, technologists, institutional investors and regulators from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Latin America. The summit addressed issues with international significance, from regulatory alignment to tokenisation, decentralised finance and the use of artificial intelligence in financial markets.

The three-day event opened with remarks from BVI Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, who described the gathering as “a statement of intent” for the BVI’s role in digital finance. Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, called the summit “ground-breaking” and highlighted how the BVI is evolving to support digital assets and fintech innovation. Their comments framed the event as a forum for practical dialogue between regulators, innovators and investors, rather than a ceremonial conference.

Digital assets coming of age
A central theme of the summit was that digital assets are entering a period of maturity. Sessions on tokenised funds, digital asset custody and institutional adoption highlighted a shift from experimentation to operational and regulatory robustness. Speakers from advisory firms and investment managers emphasised that tokenisation is increasingly valued for efficiency, global market access and enhanced liquidity. Institutional-grade service providers showcased their capabilities, demonstrating that risk management, cybersecurity and operational integrity are now core considerations for both founders and investors.

Regulatory convergence emerged as another key outcome. Attendees discussed the growing importance of consistent, principles-based frameworks across jurisdictions. Delegates from Asia, Europe and North America noted that predictable regulation is now a prerequisite for innovation and scaling. While the BVI’s Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) framework was referenced as a premium practical example, the wider message was global: firms need jurisdictions that combine clarity, engagement and flexibility to support cross-border operations.

Decentralised autonomous organisations were examined in depth. Legal and compliance panels explored how governance, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance can be integrated with DAOs without undermining decentralisation. Founders highlighted the need for structures that attract institutional participation while maintaining decentralised principles. Speakers emphasised that trust in these systems depends as much on governance as on code, connecting directly to broader discussions on digital identity and cross-border supervision.

Payments innovation and digital currencies were also central to the discussions. Sessions on stablecoins, cross-border remittances and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) addressed how value moves across markets and the implications for traditional banking infrastructure. Delegates observed that hybrid models combining regulated stablecoins with wholesale CBDCs could become standard in the near future. These developments are especially relevant for markets where legacy systems are slow or expensive, offering both efficiency gains and financial inclusion benefits.

Artificial intelligence was another focus area. Participants explored AI applications in market monitoring, smart contract analytics, liquidity optimisation and fraud detection. While the potential of AI was clear, several panellists highlighted the importance of human oversight and governance. Firms are investing in systems that combine machine learning with compliance expertise, aligning innovation with regulatory expectations.

Hottest ticket in town
The summit also offered substantial networking and engagement opportunities. Service providers in legal, accounting, advisory and compliance roles connected with founders and investors seeking operational expertise and global reach. Delegates emphasised that these interactions were among the most valuable aspects of the event, enabling relationships that can translate into partnerships and commercial opportunities across borders.

FinTech on the Seas 2025 also provided a platform for knowledge sharing. Panels on emerging trends, regulatory developments and market case studies allowed participants to exchange practical insights and benchmark approaches. The event reinforced the importance of international collaboration for the successful deployment of digital finance and highlighted the skills and infrastructure required for future growth.

Attention is now turning to FinTech on the Seas 2026, scheduled for 22 to 24 June. Organisers plan to build on the first summit, focusing on institutional adoption, sustainable finance, cross-border regulatory alignment and new asset classes. Companies, investors and service providers are already expressing interest in participating, whether as speakers, sponsors or delegates. The event offers a unique environment to engage with key decision-makers shaping digital finance globally.

FinTech on the Seas 2025 demonstrated that digital assets and fintech are moving into a mature, globally connected phase. The summit highlighted trends and innovations that matter to founders, investors and service providers, from tokenisation and DAOs to AI and digital currencies. For companies seeking visibility, networking and insight into the future of financial services, the summit underlined the value of participating in a forum that blends innovation, regulation and international collaboration. With preparations underway for 2026, the event is set to swiftly become the go-to platform for those shaping the next generation of digital finance.